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The legacy of Winsome Hawkins

We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Winsome Hawkins, a vital Atlanta community and philanthropic leader. Winsome led and shaped our community efforts from 1989 to 2002. Our donors loved her for her caring, generous and kind soul. Our team fondly remembers her green thumb, love of flowers and her insightful thinking. She was passionate about grassroots-level work in community and was a champion of education and our Neighborhood Fund program. Her loss is one that we feel deeply but her brilliant leadership leaves Atlanta, and all of the organizations and people she touched, all the better for her presence.

To honor her in 2002, the Community Foundation created the Winsome Hawkins Neighborhood Leadership Institute Fund, which provides opportunities for emerging leaders of neighborhood groups to enhance leadership skills. The dedication letter ended with “Winsome is truly an example of people helping people.” We feel the same today. She was the embodiment of the spirit of generosity and she will be missed.